Bob Arum Speaks, and Now Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko Face The Ultimate Decision To Fight For Their Country Ukraine, or Fight For The Title
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
Los Angeles, CA (March 22, 2022)– World Heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and former multi division World champion and current super lightweight contender Vasyl Lomachenko of Ukraine are at a crossroads in Kyiv, Ukraine, side by side with former world heavyweight champions Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko. The Cultural Minister of Ukraine has authorized their temporary release from military service, if Usyk and Lomachenko so choose, to fight for world boxing titles and give their country some desperately needed emotional and moral support, which comes from worldwide publicity for the boxers and their ultimate cause.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum explained the nature of the situation currently faced by Usyk and Lomachenko in detail. “The Ukrainian government, which is (has been) tremendous in cooperating (communicating and working) with us (Top Rank Promotions), as far as Lomachenko (and also Usyk (are concerned). They (the Ukrainian government and leadership) realize this (has) tremendous publicity value, in having them come out (from their current military service and position on the battle front in Kyiv), train and participate in title fights. Hopefully, the war will then be over (by the time Usyk and Lomachenko’s bouts both take place). But….if it (the military confrontation) isn’t (over by that time……..then Usyk and Lomachenko will) go back into defense mode. So I don’t know where that stands with either guy. Whether they are (each) going to accept the offer of the Cultural Minister of Ukraine to leave and to train for a fight (remains to be seen, as the situation in Kyiv unfolds).”
Usyk, who currently still holds the WBA, IBF, and IBO world heavyweight titles, would face former titleholder Anthony Joshua in a contractual rematch. Lomachenko would face WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF World Super Lightweight champion George Kambozos Jr. of Australia.
Arum closed his announcement “I pray that the Klitschko brothers, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasyl Lomachenko are safe because they are friends of mine, and they mean a lot to me. The sacrifices the Ukrainian people have made are just enormous. The job they are doing in standing up to this monster (of a military situation) for the sake of their country and civilization (for the cause of freedom and democracy) is to be commended.” Whereas both fighters would like to fight for their reputation, abilities and dreams inside the boxing ring, the greater higher level cause; fighting for what they believe is their people, their families and the cause of freedom is the more important priority. Usyk and Lomachenko would not wish to be viewed as abandoning their people, especially if the tide of battle turns for the worse for Ukraine in their absence. Bob Arum is hopeful. Hope springs eternal. Usyk and Lomachenko prefer the red badge of courage. The world can only pray for a diplomatic solution, whatever the nature of the compromises involved, and a peaceful solution emerges. To lose Usyk, Lomachenko, or the Klitschkos would mortally wound the sports world.
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